Third person’s point of view
“Are you serious?” Lucretius’ skeptically and hesitatingly inquired upon hearing his aunt’s so-called strategy.
Amabel sipped her tea gracefully before merely looking at her nephew as if what they were talking about was not gravely serious. “Well, if you don’t want to resolve the consequence of your own irresponsibleness, then don’t follow me. I am certain that bitch has a lot of plans to follow up her cunning action. Until she gets to destroy you and your company again. Once a woman of trickery will always be a woman of deception.”
Lucretius was motionless for a split second before hesitantly nodding his head. “I will take your suggestion into consideration. “ With that, he stood and went to his bedroom in the house. “I will just take a nap before returning. Thank you.”
Amabel smilingly nodded. It didn’t pass to her inquisitive mind that her only nephew thanked her for the first time after a long time. “Oh, Esmeralda, I and Lucretius’ mother owe you a lot.” She muttered to herself before looking for her number and dialed it.
After a while of ringing, the other side finally picked up.
“Oh hello Aunt Amabel, how are you?” Esmeralda greeted optimistically.
“Oh never been greater my dear, how about you?”
Esmeralda was a little taken aback at the old woman’s response. ‘Isn’t she supposed to be worried that her nephew has posted naked photos with a woman on the internet? Of course, she will absolutely be glad that her nephew is having a relationship but still, to be posted half-naked is quite indecent.’ She thought to herself.
Nevertheless, she also responded with equal optimism. “ I am fine as well aunt. Everything is going well in our little business. Thank you for asking.”
“Well, that’s really nice. I wish I could let you witness your business’ thrive but unfortunately, I would like to request for your return. I will double the price of what was offered to you by my nephew before. I am certain that my nephew has yet to become independently and socially adept.”
A twinkle of silence marched between the two before Esmeralda responded. “I- that offer seems good but I-…..”
Amabel caught the turn when she sensed Esmeralda was unable to decide her choice. “ You will work as his secretary both in his personal and business life. Is that a good justification so you won’t feel guilty about receiving your payment, my dear?”
“Well,….”
“I beg of you my dear, my nephew needs you. I don’t know if you are aware of his current predicament but that happened because he lacks guidance and custody.”
“Well, what can I say, Aunt Amabel, we had become friends. I would be so selfish to say no. So, when am I needed there aunt?”
“If possible,” Amabel grinned successfully. “can you come tomorrow or the other day already?”
“ That’s qu-“
“Don’t worry, me dear. I will make all of the arrangements for you. You don’t need to do anything. You just have to sit there, in your humble abode, also, be sure to be present, and my people will come and get you soon.”
“O-okay then. Thank you, Aunt Amabel.”
“Oh no no no my dear, the pleasure is mine. I am grateful for your nice agreement.”
“Well, if that is what you say, aunt. Goodbye then, good luck with your day.”
“Same with you my dear, be careful always.”
Turning off the call, both women returned to what they were doing.
“Who was that Esmy?” Esmeralda’s mom asked while they were eating papaya pickles. One of the family’s main and popular recipes.
“Mr. Lucretius’ aunt. She hired me back as a PA both in his personal and business life with twice the payment before. I wanted to refuse but she begged. She thinks Mr. Lucretius is in dire need of assistance.”
“Well, that’s fine then. We will definitely be able to pay off your brother’s debts.”
“But mom, you’re going to be alone here again. Will you be able to manage yourself and the business?”
“Of course I can, you know-“
“Properly I mean.”
Esmeralda’s mom laughed. “Don’t worry little queen, your sister is here. She will help me with all her might like you as well. You know her.”
“But she’s mostly in school, so most of the time, you will be alone. I know we have amiable customers so far but what if one day, there will be those scammers or worse, kidnappers and killers? What would you do?”
“Well, what would you do then? Don’t think that because you are not here young girl, I will not be able to protect myself. I gave birth to you for your information, I have twice your strength.  Also, if you think I will not encounter danger when you’re here but encounter it when you’re not, that’s absurd. “
“I know mom, I know. You have been singing such verses of you giving birth to me since I was in your belly so you don’t need to remind it on me. But I wasn’t saying it that way mom, it’s just, I would be more peaceful if I am here, with you in this house.”
“Then would you like us to remain in debt forever? Do you want me to die sadly knowing that I still left some –“
“Mom!” Esmeralda was quick to stop her mom. “Don’t say such words, will you? You are lively and healthy and happy. You will live a great and longer life with us, okay old woman?”
“Sure sure, but, 're done with it okay? You will go and my dear?”
“Yes?”
“Why not try to find your life there as well?”
“What do you mean with that mom?”
“Well, try to find the pair of your heart there. Perhaps, he is there. Just waiting for yo-“
“Mom, can we stop with that for now? We talked about this already. I will not enter into a relationship until my sister gets to graduate. So that way, you will not be worrying about any of us being unable to look for our own lives.”
“Your sister is already graduating this year baby. It’s just months.”
“Still, she hasn’t graduated yet so, I am still free. Anyway, I will go to arrange my things. I will be cooking our dinner later on. I have something in mind that I got from Italy. I think you might like it.”
“Then I will just take a nap.”
With that, the mother and daughter conversation ended but unbeknownst to them, there was already a lurking danger around them. Not too far from their initial seat, there was a man suited in all white but had his face covered. He was sitting very mute and very alert. After the two were done, the expression under his mask became grim. His eyes were filled with deceit and cunning orbs.
He dialed something in his phone and soon, began telling them what he had heard. “She will be fetched tomorrow or the next day. Make sure to entertain and divert them. I will take care of her.”
Morning came and Esmeralda texted Amabel saying that she decided to take the flight in the evening so it would be less humid. Amabel agreed and told her that she already told her in Singapore to be ready.
“I have ordered two women, my dear, from there. You just have to wait.”
“Sure aunt Amabel. Thank you.”